Top 10 Tips to be More Energy Efficient

Top 10 tips on how to be more energy efficient 

1. Switch off appliances at the plug that you're not using - leaving appliances on standby is still using energy
   
   
2. Install LED light bulbs - LED uses up to half the energy of a fluorescent energy-saving spiral bulb, some are dimmable too which uses less energy. Remember to turn off lights when you leave a room too. You can recycle bulbs at most large supermarkets and recycling centres
   
   
3. Turn your thermostat down just one degree - for each degree, you could save up to 4% on your energy bill. Make sure you stay warm!
   
   
4. Use energy-saving mode on devices - your phone and other media devices like tablets, TVs, laptops, etc., will have an energy-saving mode in the settings
   
   
5. Draught exclusion - draught-proofing can cut your energy bill by around £30 a year for the average household. If you have a chimney, paying out for draught exclusion will save you money in the long run
   
   
6. Cut down your time in the shower - just one minute less could save you up to £75 a year or £105 if you have a water meter. You could also fit a water-saving showerhead - there are free water-saving gadgets available
   
   
7. Wash your clothes at 30 degrees - try to do fewer washes and avoid the tumble dryer as they use a lot of energy
   
   
8. Only fill your kettle with the water you need - don't overfill your kettle or buy a smaller kettle so you're not tempted to overfill
   
   
9. Use radiator thermostats - these ensure that you can control the temperature in each room so you can heat the ones you're using. This could save you up to 6% on your bill
   
   
10. Insulate your home - about a third of your home's heat can be lost through walls that aren't insulated. There are different types of insulation available. 

If you'd like more advice on being more energy-efficient, contact Simple Energy Advice if you’re in England or Wales, or Home Energy Scotland if you’re in Scotland.

• Simple Energy Advice: 0800 444 202 (Monday to Friday 8am-8pm. Weekends 9am-5pm). 
• Home Energy Scotland: 0808 808 2282 (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm). 

There is also Government guidance available as part of their 'Help for Households' campaign on help with your energy bills >

Page last updated: September 2023.